Page 22 of The Highlander’s Tempting Touch

She’d guessed there was a story behind the ring he wore on the cord about his neck. She’d never guessed it was such a painful one. Still, it made sense – why he would say he was reluctant to wed her, and why he’d acted like a beast. He must have been afraid his enemies would see them together and try to use her against him. Or worse, come after her life.

He’d probably been acting cold to make any of his foes who saw them assume he didn’t care for her. It didn’t make his behavior any less beastly, but the thought that he might have been acting that way for her protection did dull her anger a little.

“And now? What o’ me?”

Alistair offered her a gentle smile. “I wasnae sure about marryin’ but I promise that I’ll keep ye safe.” He reached up and undid the cord. Then, to her surprise, he slid the ring onto her finger. “Here. A pledge that I’ll defend ye from everything possible, whether ‘tis me enemies or yer fears, or the storms in the sky. Whatever ‘tis that threatens, I’ll be there tae protect ye.”

She blinked, tears stinging her eyes at his unexpected generosity. “But this ring…”

“’Twas made fer the woman who was tae be me wife. ‘Tis fitting ye wear it now.” Alistair caressed her face in a gentle gesture, then pressed a kiss to her temple. “If ye’re feeling better, ‘tis best ye try tae get some sleep. We’ll be getting tae Castle MacDuff taemorrow, and ye’ll want all yer wits about ye.”

“Aye.” She saw Alistair move to stand and wrapped her hand around his arm. “Stay with me?”

“If ye wish.” He started to move to the floor, and Niamh gathered her courage.

“I dinnae mean sleepin’ on the floor. I mean…” Her cheeks heated, but she finished her sentence. “I mean fer ye tae sleep beside me.”

“Ye mean that ye want me tae share yer bed?”

Niamh’s blush deepened. “Just fer sleeping. Fer comfort. I sleep better when ye’re next tae me.”

It was hard to admit that, especially when she’d been reviling him with every breath only a fortnight ago. She was prepared for Alistair to make some comment to that effect, but instead he only nudged her gently. “Slide over then, unless ye want me tae tak’ the side close tae the wall.”

“Nay.” She liked the idea of having him between her and the rest of the world. His warmth always made her feel as if she had a solid, living shield between herself and any danger that might threaten. She scooted back to the wall.

Alistair slid into bed beside her, setting his sword belt within easy reach. She hadn’t even realized he was carrying it, but she was glad to see the proof that he took her safety seriously. She watched as he shifted around to lie on his side, facing her. “Lie down and close yer eyes.”

Niamh did as he said, settling into her favorite position on her side, facing the wall. After a moment, an arm slid around her waist and cradled her close to a warm chest. “There. If the nightmares come fer ye again, then ye’ll ken I’m here tae defend ye.”

“Aye.” Niamh swallowed hard, butterflies in her stomach, and skin tingling for no reason she could fathom. She felt almost too warm, and yet, not at all inclined to move from the shelter of Alistair’s arm. She closed her eyes and urged herself to relax.

With her eyes closed, she was acutely aware of Alistair’s arm around her waist, and the gentle thump of his heartbeat in her ears. The soft warmth of his breath wafted across the top of her head, where he had her head tucked under his chin.

It should have felt unnerving, even frightening. Instead, Niamh felt safe, safer by far than his presence on the floor by her bed had made her feel. The slowness of his breathing calmed her own, and within minutes, Niamh slipped into slumber once more.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Alistair woke the next morning to find Niamh still in his arms. For a long moment, he considered remaining where he was. Then common sense reasserted itself.

I cannae afford tae become too attached tae her. There’s naught wrong with offering a bit o’ comfort tae drive away nightmares, but I cannae afford tae let it become more than that. Especially since we’ll be arriving at Castle MacDuff taeday.

He started to slip his arm free, only to stop as Niamh shifted in his grip and opened her eyes. He felt her stiffen, then she pulled free and twisted around to face him. “What are ye still doin’ here?”

“Ye asked me tae stay.”

Niamh flushed, becoming shade of rose. “Aye, but I didnae think...”

Alistair took pity on her. “I ken. Ye expected me tae leave soon as ye were sleeping, or as soon as I woke. But I didnae wake until just afore ye did.”

He rolled out of the bed and stretched. “Dinnae worry. I’ll nae assume it means more than any other night we’ve spent taegether.”

“Good. Because it doesnae change aught.” She wasn’t quite looking at him, her cheeks rosy with her blush. Alistair smothered a smile, then rose and returned to his rooms to dress for the remainder of the journey.

Breakfast was a bowl of hot porridge and strong tea for each of them. Alistair flavored his porridge with berries, while Niamh put honey in both the porridge and the tea. Once they finished their meals, they donned their cloaks and left the inn, both of them still sharing Alistair’s horse.

“Ye’re still an impertinent lout.” Niamh’s teasing words caught Alistair’s attention. He looked down at her.

“What are ye saying, lass?”